Nation to Nation: Scotland's Place in the World

by Stephen Gethins

Scotland has a distinctive place in the world. Nation to Nation explores how this unique relationship with the rest of the world has developed over the years and how it manifests itself today. In this book Stephen Gethins combines his knowledge from years of work in the field – from the conflict zones of the former Soviet Union to the corridors of power in Westminster and Brussels – with insights from political, cultural and academic figures who have been at the heart of foreign policy in Scotland, the UK, Europe and North America. Gethins looks at Scotland's foreign policy to better inform the debate about our country's future and its relationships with its neighbours near and far.

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2021

About the author

Stephen Patrick Gethins was a Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for North East Fife from the 2015 general election, until he lost his seat at the 2019. He is currently Professor of Practice in International Relations at St. Andrews University.

Reviews

[Richard Lo Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written account of how Scotland makes foreign policy within the restrictions of the union with the rest of the UK, it’s global presence, and influence. The book is also politically unbiased. The author makes no secret the fact that he is pro independence but presents balanced views of the future of Scotland’s relationship with other nations. Great examples are also presented on how Scotland compares to other similar-sized sub-states that exert similar soft powers.

[Helen Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas, but it felt like I was left with more questions than answers. Also, the glaring grammatical and spelling errors throughout ruined this book for me. It seemed like it hadn’t been edited at all.

[Cormac Healy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about an understudied aspect of the debate around Scotland's push for independence, foreign policy.

The main thrust of the book is that in the post-Brexit world, the benefits of being part of multilateral institutions such as the EU outweigh the benefits of sticking in the union with a declining power. I find this a very compelling argument, and I believe that the Brexit referendum will most likely be the deciding factor in causing Scotland to vote in favour of independence. As opposed to the first IndyRef in 2015, when the main argument was based on unconvincing economic analysis (arguments that are even less convincing today with the drop-off in oil and gas prices and commitments towards a greener society), it seems likely that the main push for independence in the future will be based around the benefits that Scotland would enjoy if it was no longer strapped to the Brexit-loving, EU-disparaging government of Boris Johnson. This book goes through these benefits.

Using comparisons with other similar countries (specifically Ireland, Norway, and Iceland) the book explains the influence a small, well-run state can have on the global stage, and the huge benefits behind committing to the multilateral system. There are some iffy sections, however. The historical chapter, covering Scotland's past multilateral experiences, is cherry-picking analysis of the worst sort, and I would recommend anyone reading the book to just skip it. Also, the book ignores the strong possibility that Scotland will be refused entry to the EU by countries such as Spain, which would be desperate to discredit any independence movement lest it gives credence to similar movements in places such as Catalonia. The book is also rather scrappily written, with frequent typos and clearly a rather rushed editing process. I'm not sure Gethins is as natural a writer as he is a politician.

That being said, it is a balanced, thoughtful, and convincing argument about the possibilities that would be available to Scotland as an independent country. I don't think it is likely to change anyone's opinion about the independence referendum, but it does open up a dialogue about an issue that is frequently overlooked in favour of simplistic arguments around nationalism, historical grievance, and Braveheart. If you are interested in learning more and have an open mind regarding Scotland's place in the world, then I would say this is a worthy book.

3/5.

[Simon Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A former MP discusses Scotland's now and future foreign policy.

(Full disclosure: Gethins is a Professor in Practice of International Relations at the University of St Andrews, where I also work.)

This is a detailed and wide-ranging work, exploring the past, present, and potential future of Scotland's foreign policy "footprint". It's quick to point out that even sub-State actors have such a footprint, and show how the Scottish government is able to work with (and sometimes against) the wider UK government in liaison with other international players, and the tensions and missed opportunities that arise.

Gethins is SNP (as am I), and as such has a clear preference for an independent Scotland. He tries valiantly to consider the potential future without independence, and how Scotland might in that case contribute more effectively to the UK's efforts. This doesn't quite succeed as an approach, perhaps because Gethins can't imagine that the UK can execute what would be needed to make such a future happen, for example as set out in How Britain Ends: English Nationalism and the Rebirth of Four Nations – and I have to say I agree with him on that. He quotes many influential Europeans (and others) who welcome Scotland's policy stance, and would welcome independence were it to come, which is clearly set out to address some of the uncertainties that doomed the "indyref" of 2014. It does a good job of this, as well as of showing how much Scotland as a region has to offer in the foreign policy sphere, and how little is being made of it so far.

[Dragos Seserman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, clear presentation of facts, history about the subject. Will recommend for sure!